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A 56-year-old FDNY firefighter who worked at the World Trade Center site after 9/11 was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver Friday in New Jersey while riding his motorcycle to work. Roseanne Colletti reports. (Published Friday, Oct 11, 2013)

Updated at 10:09 PM EDT on Friday, Oct 11, 2013

A 56-year-old FDNY firefighter who worked at the World Trade Center site after 9/11 was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver Friday in New Jersey while riding his motorcycle to work.

John Monteverde, a father of three adult children, was a 31-year veteran of the department. During that time, he was cited four times for bravery as a member of Engine Co. 22 in Manhattan, the FDNY said.

Former colleagues were mourning Monteverde, affectionally called Monty.

He was a "very knowledgeable firefighter, knew the rig inside and out," said Michael Ruddick at Engine 22. "You could always count on Monty."

The firehouse lost nine members in the 2001 trade center attack, and Monteverde "devoted countless hours working tirelessly" on the rescue and recovery, the FDNY said.

"Our hearts and prayers are with his family and all those who knew and loved him," Commissioner Salvatore Cassano said.

Authorities said the 26-year-old driver of a 1996 Honda Accord was arrested at the scene in Union Township and charged with DWI.